Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I use this contract to purchase Events Management Services?

These competitive contracts provide an average of 14% savings over current HHS Events Management Services contracts. These substantial savings on funds for your office may be reallocated to enhance the delivery of health services. In addition, many new services are included in the pricing, including a Web site for marketing and managing your event. Furthermore, these contracts enable HHS to leverage its purchasing power to obtain additional future Department-wide savings without each OPDIV/STAFFDIV having to negotiate its own separate contract.

When can I start purchasing with this new contract?

You can start now. Please see the ordering procedures as noted above. If you have any questions, please contact Kesa.Russell@hhs.gov.

Can I place an order via fax?

Yes, an order can be placed via fax. To submit an order for events management services via fax, print the completed Order Form in landscape orientation and send to (301) 577-7460. A BLS representative will respond to requests submitted via Web ordering, fax, e-mail, or phone in no longer than 1 business day upon order acknowledgement.

How can I be assured that I’m getting all the service support I will need for my event?

The BPA includes a Performance Work Statement (PWS) with many service level agreements designed to insure suppliers deliver the highest quality of service. The PWS is designed to be flexible because events planned under this BPA encompass a wide variety of work requirements. Some highlights of the PWS include:
  • Comprehensive task-order proposals with extensive cost-comparison information delivered within 7 days after publishing the task order for competition.
  • Routine project-specific status reports, budget reports, and survey results.
  • Quick, consistent turnaround on honoraria/per diem submitted expenses.

How long does it take to size my project and begin work?

A BLS representative will  respond to  requests submitted via Web ordering, fax, e-mail, or phone  in no longer than 1 business day upon order acknowledgement.

Can I pick from among the vendors to place my order?

Please refer to the Order Placement Process attached for proper ordering procedures.
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What if I don’t need all the event-specific services included in the Performance Work Statement?

The Performance Work Statement includes many services that may not be necessary to fulfill the event you are planning. These are all included in the pricing. However, those items identified with the term “dependent” may be set aside at your discretion.

What customer service features does each Supplier offer?

B L Seamon Corporation is committed to offering high-quality, easily accessible services, and customer satisfaction is our top priority. BLS will respond to inquiries and help requests within 24 hours.

We offer the following services to address your questions and issues.

Online Ordering Help
For assistance with technical difficulties while using the BPA Ordering System, please contact our Webmaster at 1-800-676-TRVL (8785), ext. 28, or blsbpaweb@blseamon.com.

Questions About the HHS BPAs
Please contact our National Account Managers for information on procuring events management services using the HHS BPAs.

Kathy Pointer
Director of Conference Services
Phone: (301) 577-0244, ext. 16
Fax: (301) 577-5261
E-mail: kpointer@blseamon.com

Malitta Nicholson
Vice President
Phone: (301) 577-0244, ext.18
Fax: (301) 577-7460
E-mail: mnicholson@blseamon.com

Feedback from Government Users and Meeting Participants
We welcome your feedback or questions about our services.

Please contact our National Account Managers or send an e-mail to feedback@blseamon.com.

Kathy Pointer
Director of Conference Services
Phone: (301) 577-0244, ext. 16
Fax: (301) 577-5261
E-mail: kpointer@blseamon.com

Malitta Nicholson
Vice President
Phone: (301) 577-0244, ext.18
Fax: (301) 577-7460
E-mail: mnicholson@blseamon.com

Meeting participants are encouraged to direct any questions concerning their event with their BLS Conference Planner. Contact information is provided in all meeting materials as well as on conference Web sites. Meeting participants can also forward feedback or questions to feedback@blseamon.com.

In addition, in an effort to provide superior meeting management and service, Government users are urged to complete our online Customer Satisfaction Survey. We also request that our meeting participants complete our Travel Satisfaction Survey.


What if I have difficulty using the Web site ordering tools?

You may call  our Webmaster at 1 (800) 676-TRVL [8785], ext. 28 ,  to receive help  with using online tools. Alternatively, you may click on this link ( http://www.blsweb.net/hhsems)  or view the BPA Ordering Procedures (see navigation bar) for  guidance.

Will training be provided on the new Web sites?

Training will be provided for the Web site in certain locations. If you have specific questions about the Web site, please contact Kathy Pointer at (301) 577-0244 ext. 16 or kpointer@blseamon.com.

What work elements are performed under this contract?

Event-Required work elements under this contract include:
  • Facilitate Planning Meetings
  • Manage Event Logistics
  • Provide Status Reports
  • Provide Event-specific Performance-based Reports
Event-Dependent work elements under this contract include:
  • Arrange Conference Space
  • Arrange Hotel Rooms
  • Arrange Transportation Services
  • Arrange VIP Services
  • Arrange Support Services for the Disabled
  • Arrange Registration Services
  • Arrange Audiovisual Services
  • Manage Pre-conference and Conference Materials
  • Manage Marketing and Communications
  • Arrange Storage and Disposition of Event Materialsv
  • Manage Post-conference Materials and Correspondence
  • Deliver Event-specific Training
  • Manage Conference/Event Finances
  • Provide Post-Event Reports
  • Provide Fiduciary Services

Who can use this schedule?

Currently, only HHS-wide end users may use this system.
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How do I secure services from BLS?

Securing our services is easy and convenient. Program Officers (PO)/Contract Officers (CO) have the option of issuing a task order, purchase order, or a record of call. This can be accomplished directly with BLS without going through a lengthy process of competing the order or justifications for a sole source. The process will proceed as follows:
  • BLS will provide an online work order form to the PO.
  • The PO will complete the form, providing as many details as possible.
  • BLS will return a fixed-price quote for the services requested, with a summary attachment that outlines the services and/or products to be received under the order.
  • The PO will create the purchasing documents and deliver them to the CO and BLS.
  • The CO will officially notify BLS of the award, and the work will begin.

What happens if the workplan changes after a contract is secured?

Whenever there are changes to the workplan that will result in a cost increase, purchasers can simply submit a “change order” modification through the BLS HHS Events Management System (EMS), mirroring the process used to originally secure the contract. BLS staff will work closely with purchasers to advise and alert them of planning decisions that would impact cost.
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What are the advantages of using this BPA?

  • Quick procurement process
  • Leveraged discounts and significant savings
  • Decreased paperwork
  • Pre-screened contractor with proven capabilities
  • Online access for ordering services, reviewing documentation, and accessing information
FAQ